System And Method For Effectively Implementing An Electronic Image Hub Device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for effectively implementing an electronic image hub device includes a peripheral device, such as a digital camera, that may be periodically connected to the image hub device by a system user. The system user may then utilize the image hub device to transfer captured data from the peripheral device to a specific data destination, such as a user service on a distributed computer network. The peripheral device also may utilize the image hub device to recharge batteries that become depleted through operation of the peripheral device. The system user may then subsequently access and utilize the captured data from the data destination in accordance with the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to, and claims priority in, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/187,137, entitled “Imagehub” that wasfiled on Mar. 6, 2000, and also relates to, and claims priority as aContinuation application in, U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/780,839, entitled “System And Method For Effectively Implementing AnElectronic Image Hub Device” that was filed on Feb. 8, 2001, and alsorelates to, and claims priority as a Continuation application in, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/316,427, entitled “System And Method ForEffectively Implementing An Electronic Image Hub Device” that was filedon Dec. 12, 2008, and further relates to, and claims priority as aContinuation application in, U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/068,135, entitled “System And Method For Effectively Implementing AnElectronic Image Hub Device” that was filed on May 3, 2011. Theforegoing related applications are commonly assigned, and are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND SECTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to techniques for managing visualinformation, and relates more particularly to a system and method foreffectively implementing an electronic image hub device.

2. Description of the Background Art

Implementing effective methods for managing visual information is asignificant consideration for designers and manufacturers ofcontemporary electronic devices. However, effectively managing visualinformation with electronic devices may create substantial challengesfor system designers. For example, enhanced demands for increased devicefunctionality and performance may require more system processing powerand require additional hardware resources. An increase in processing orhardware requirements may also result in a corresponding detrimentaleconomic impact due to increased production costs and operationalinefficiencies.

Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform various advancedoperations may provide additional benefits to a system user, but mayalso place increased demands on the control and management of variousdevice components. For example, an enhanced electronic device thateffectively stores, displays, and manipulates digital image data maybenefit from an efficient implementation because of the large amount andcomplexity of the digital data involved.

Due to growing demands on system resources and substantially increasingdata magnitudes, it is apparent that developing new techniques formanaging visual information is a matter of concern for relatedelectronic technologies. Therefore, for all the foregoing reasons,developing effective systems for managing visual information remains asignificant consideration for designers, manufacturers, and users ofcontemporary electronic devices.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method aredisclosed for effectively implementing an electronic image hub device.In one embodiment, initially, a system user may preferably connect acamera device (or other peripheral device) to an image hub using anyeffective and appropriate means. The camera device may be implemented inany effective manner, however, in many embodiments, a basic andcost-effective camera device may be economically utilized.

Next, a download manager in the image hub may preferably detect arequest to download content information from the docked camera device.When the download manager detects a download request, then the downloadmanager may preferably transfer the particular content information(including captured image data) from the camera device to the image hub.

The image hub may then preferably determine one or more appropriateimage management functions to perform with regard to the downloadedcontent information. For example, the image hub may perform various datamanipulation and/or analysis functions on the downloaded contentinformation. In many embodiments, the image hub may preferably route orupload the content information to an appropriate or designated datadestination by utilizing an upload manager. In accordance with thepresent invention, the upload manager may route the content informationusing any effective technique.

In one embodiment, the image hub may preferably recognize and route thecontent information from a given camera device based upon a cameraidentification parameter that may be programmed into that camera anddetected by the image hub. Alternately, a given camera device may markimage data with an image identifier tag that may recognized and utilizedby either the image hub or the data destination to subsequently providethat image data to the correct system user. In addition, the image hubmay route content information to one or more data destinations basedupon a hub identifier value, or by referencing destination informationentered into the image hub by the system user or system operator.

In accordance with the present invention, in certain embodiments, arecharge manager may detect that a non-removable battery from the cameradevice is currently in a depleted condition, and responsively utilize arecharger module from the image hub to recharge the depleted battery. Inother embodiments, the recharger module may automatically recharge thebattery whenever the camera device is connected to the image hub.

If valid conditions exist for a successful completion of the foregoingimage management functions, then application software from the image hubmay preferably execute the selected image management functions (such asrouting the content information to a data destination). Finally, asystem user may then advantageously access, manipulate, and utilize thecontent information from the data destination, in accordance with thepresent invention. The present invention thus provides an improvedsystem and method for effectively implementing an electronic image hubdevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for one embodiment of an electronic image hubdevice, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the memory of FIG. 1, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the application softwareof FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the content informationof FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the I/O interface(s) ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for one embodiment of an electronic cameradevice, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of method steps for utilizing a camera device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of method steps for utilizing an electronic imagehub device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in visual informationmanagement techniques. The following description is presented to enableone of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and isprovided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles hereinmay be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features describedherein.

The present invention comprises a system and method for effectivelyimplementing an electronic image hub device, and preferably includes aperipheral device, such as a digital camera, that may be periodicallyconnected to the image hub device by a system user. The system user maythen utilize the image hub device to transfer captured data from theperipheral device to a specific data destination, such as a user serviceon a distributed computer network like the Internet. The peripheraldevice may also utilize the image hub device to recharge batteries thatbecome depleted through operation of the peripheral device. The systemuser may then subsequently access and utilize the captured data from thedata destination in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram for one embodiment of an imagehub device 110 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. Inthe FIG. 1 embodiment, image hub 110 preferably includes, but is notlimited to, a central processing unit (CPU) 112, a user interface 114,memory 116, a display 118, input/output interface(s) (I/O interface(s))120, and a recharger module 124. The foregoing components of image hub110 may preferably be coupled to, and communicate through, a device bus128. In alternate embodiments, image hub 110 may readily be implementedusing various components and configurations in addition to, or insteadof, those discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, a system user may advantageously downloadvarious types of information from a portable peripheral device, such asa digital camera, to image hub 110. Image hub 110 may then responsivelyupload the received information to a selectable data destination, suchas an Internet image service, using any effective means, to therebyprovide an efficient transfer of information for subsequent access andutilization by the system user.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, CPU 112 may be implemented to include anyappropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferablyexecutes software instructions to thereby control and manage theoperation of image hub 110. The FIG. 1 display 118 preferably mayinclude any effective type of display technology including acathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device. In certainembodiments, display 118 may be attached to an exterior surface of imagehub 110 with a hinge mechanism to permit display 118 to be foldedagainst image hub 110 when not in use, or during transport.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, I/O interface(s) 120 preferably may includeone or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmitany required types of relevant information by image hub 110. I/Ointerface(s) 120 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 5.In the FIG. 1 embodiment, memory 116 may be implemented to include anycombination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to,read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types ofnon-volatile memory, such as floppy disks or hard disks. The contentsand functionality of memory 116 are further discussed below inconjunction with FIGS. 2-3.

Recharger module 124 preferably may include appropriate means to supportrecharging batteries of various peripheral electronic devices that areconnected to image hub 110. For example, in certain embodiments,recharger module 124 may include, but is not limited to, a batterycharging circuit and a connector interface for coupling recharger module124 to one or more electronic camera devices to recharge battery unitsin the camera device.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, user interface 114 preferably may include anyeffective means to allow a system user to communicate with image hub110. For example, user interface 114 may support a keyboard device, awireless remote control device, a speech-recognition module withcorresponding microphone, a graphical user interface with touch-screencapability, or a selection button array mounted externally on image hub110.

User interface 114 may also include various types of lights or otherindicia mounted to an external surface of image hub 110 to indicate thestatus of one or more electronic cameras that are currently docked withimage hub 110 for transferring image data. For example, image hub 110may include a docked indicator to show that a given camera is connectedto image hub 110, a charged indicator to indicate that batteries of agiven docked camera are completed recharged, and/or an empty indicatorto shown that all image data has been transferred from a given dockedcamera to image hub 110.

The FIG. 1 discloses an embodiment of image hub 110 that includesrelatively powerful performance capabilities and operatingcharacteristics. However, in various alternate embodiments, a simplifiedembodiment of image hub 110 is equally contemplated by the presentinvention. For example, image hub 110 may be implemented as a basicinterface device for passively receiving and transferring image datafrom one or more camera devices to a networked destination withoutperforming significant processing, storage, or manipulation of thetransferred image data. The functionality and operation of image hub 110is further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 through 8.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 memory 116 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 1 embodiment, memory 116 may preferably include, but is not limitedto, application software 212, an operating system 214, contentinformation 216, a recharge manager 218, a network browser 220, and adisplay manager 222. In alternate embodiments, memory 116 may readilyinclude various other components in addition to, or instead of, thosecomponents discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 2 embodiment.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, application software 212 may include programinstructions that are preferably executed by CPU 112 (FIG. 1) to performvarious functions and operations for image hub 110. The particularnature and functionality of application software 212 preferably variesdepending upon factors such as the type and particular use of thecorresponding image hub 110. The configuration and functionality ofapplication software 212 is further discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 3.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, operating system 214 preferably controls andcoordinates low-level functionality of image hub 110. Contentinformation 216 preferably may include various types of captured imagedata or other types of information that may be downloaded from one ormore peripheral devices, such as a digital camera device. Contentinformation 216 may be temporarily stored in image hub 110 before beinguploaded to a data destination, such as a network image service on adistributed computer network like the Internet. The structure andconfiguration of content information 216 is further discussed below inconjunction with FIG. 4. Recharge manager 218 preferably includessoftware instructions to control various peripheral-devicebattery-charging functions that image hub 110 may perform when aperipheral device, such as a digital camera, is docked with image hub110.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, network browser 220 preferably may controlbi-directional communications between image hub 110 and a distributedcomputing network. For example, network browser 220 may include anInternet browser module to allow image hub 110 to download or uploadinformation to or from the Internet. In certain embodiments, image hub110 may function as an image source for providing content information216 to a location or service of the Internet. Display manager 222preferably coordinates and controls the presentation of appropriatevisual information on display 118 in response to instructions fromapplication software 212. In certain embodiments, display manager 222and associated hardware components support a high-resolution displayoutput for presentation of content information 216.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.2 application software 212 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, application software 212 preferablymay include, but is not limited to, a download manager 312, an uploadmanager 316, an editing module 320, a data manager 324, miscellaneousroutines 328, and an image selection manager 332. In alternateembodiments, application software 212 may readily include various othercomponents in addition to, or instead of, those components discussed inconjunction with the FIG. 3 embodiment.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, download manager 312 may preferably coordinatethe downloading and storing of various types of content information 216from any appropriate source. For example, a camera device may captureand store various types of content information (including image data)into a temporary buffer memory in the camera device. When a system userdocks the camera device to image hub 110, download manager 312 may thenpreferably access the content information from the camera device, andtemporarily store the content information 216 in memory 116.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, upload manager 316 preferably may control theuploading of content information 216 to various appropriate datadestinations. For example, upload manager 316 may provide contentinformation 216 to a host computer system or to a networked destinationsuch as the Internet. Editing module 320 may preferably control variousediting procedures for editing content information 216. For example,editing module 320 may be utilized to insert various templates oroverlays into individual images stored as content information 216.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, data manager 324 may preferably manage contentinformation 216 that is temporarily stored in image hub 110. Forexample, data manager 324 may create and restructure content information216 into various directories and folders to effectively organize variousimages in content information 216. Miscellaneous routines 328 mayinclude any desired software instructions to facilitate functionsperformed by image hub 110. For example, miscellaneous routines 328 mayinclude a data transformation routine that translates a downloadedformat of content information 216 into an uploadable format of the samecontent information 216 that is compatible with a selected datadestination.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, a system user may utilize image selectionmanager 332 to view, select, and order desired images that weretransferred as content information 216 from their camera device toeither image hub 110, or through image hub 110 to a data destination onthe Internet or other distributed computer network.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.2 content information 216 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, contentinformation 216 may readily be implemented to include various otherconfigurations, and may also include various items and components thatare different from those discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 4embodiment.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, content information 216 preferably may includeindividual sets of data 1 (414(a)) through data N (414(c)) that eachpreferably corresponds with a specific captured image or other type ofstored information. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, content information 216preferably also may include a descriptor 1 (412(a)) through a descriptorN (412(c)) that each is preferably associated with a differentrespective peripheral device or system user that is utilizing image hub110. In alternate embodiments, content information 216 may be configuredto include one or more single descriptors 412 that describe multiplesets of data 414. In addition, in certain embodiments, contentinformation 216 may be implemented without utilizing descriptor(s) 412.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 I/O interface(s) 120 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, I/O interface(s) 120 preferably maycommunicate with various input or output entities that may include, butare not limited to, network(s) 512, a host computer 516, one or morecamera connector(s) 520, a photographic printer 528, wirelesscommunications 532, removable storage media 536, one or more rechargeconnector(s) 524, and one or more status indicator(s) 540. I/Ointerface(s) 120 may preferably communicate with image hub 110 viadevice bus 128. In alternate embodiments, I/O interface(s) 120 mayreadily include various other elements and functionalities in additionto, or instead of, those discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 5embodiment. In addition, I/O interface(s) 120 may be implemented andconfigured using any effective technology or method.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, image hub 110 may utilize I/O interface(s) 120to bi-directionally communicate with one or more network(s) 512. Forexample, image hub 110 may advantageously communicate with the Internetor other distributed computer networks to upload or download varioustypes of content information 216.

Image hub 110 may also utilize I/O interface(s) 120 to bi-directionallycommunicate with a host computer 516. For example, image hub 110 maycommunicate with a personal computer device over a Universal Serial Bus(USB) to effectively upload or download various types of contentinformation 216. The foregoing personal computer device may then beutilized to process, transfer, manipulate, and otherwise utilize thecontent information 216 from image hub 110. In the FIG. 5 embodiment,image hub 110 may utilize I/O interface(s) 120 to bi-directionallycommunicate with one or more camera connector(s) 520 that preferablyeach dock or couple a given digital camera (or other peripheral device)to image hub 110 for downloading data and recharging camera batteries.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, image hub 110 may also utilize I/Ointerface(s) 120 to bi-directionally communicate with various types ofwireless communications 532. Wireless communications 532 preferably mayinclude any effective means to remotely communicate with an externalentity such as an Internet server, to thereby exchange relevantinformation for successful operation of image hub 110. In addition,image hub 110 may utilize wireless communications 532 to downloadvarious types of content information 216 and other data from a wirelesssource such as a digital camera device or a computer. In certainembodiments, wireless communications 532 may also receive variouscontrol information from a wireless remote control device. Wirelesscommunications 532 may be implemented using any appropriate wirelesstechnology, including radio-frequency transmission, infra-redtransmission, or micro-wave transmission.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, removable storage media 536 may preferably beutilized to receive or provide any desired information for facilitatingthe operation of image hub 110. For example, removable storage media 536may provide means for bi-directional transfers of content information216 between image hub 110 and other appropriate entities, such as adigital camera device or a host computer. In certain embodiments,removable storage media 536 may include memory devices to support anydesired type or combination of removable storage media. For example,removable storage media 536 may include memory sticks, flash memorydevices, compact disks, mini-disks, or floppy disks.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, image hub 110 may utilize I/O interface(s) 120to bi-directionally communicate with one or more recharge connector(s)524 that preferably each dock or couple a given digital camera (or otherperipheral device) to image hub 110 for recharging one or more batteriesin the docked peripheral device. In certain embodiments, rechargeconnector(s) 524 may be implemented as part of camera connector(s) 520.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, status indicator(s) 540 may include varioustypes of lights or other indicia mounted to an external surface of imagehub 110, or presented on a graphical user interface on display 118(FIG. 1) to indicate the status of various parameters for one or moreperipheral devices that are currently docked with image hub 110. Forexample, status indicator(s) 540 may include a docked indicator to showthat a given camera is connected to image hub 110, a charged indicatorto indicate that batteries of a given docked camera are completedrecharged, and/or an empty indicator to shown that all image data hasbeen transferred from a given docked camera to image hub 110.

In addition to the various foregoing enumerated types of I/Ointerface(s) 120, image hub 110 may preferably also include any requiredtypes of interfaces or connectors (not shown) for coupling image hub 110with other hardware devices to support any bi-directional electroniccommunications.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram for one embodiment of a cameradevice 610 is shown, in accordance with the present invention.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, camera 610 may include, but is not limited to,a capture subsystem 614, a camera system bus 616, and a control module618. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, capture subsystem 614 may be opticallycoupled to a target object (not shown), and may also be electricallycoupled via camera system bus 616 to control module 618.

In alternate embodiments, camera device 610 may readily include variousother components in addition to, or instead of, those componentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment. In addition, incertain embodiments, the present invention may alternately be embodiedas any appropriate type of electronic device other than the cameradevice 610 of FIG. 6. For example, camera device 610 may readily beimplemented as another type of portable electronic device, such as ascanner device or a hand-held personal digital assistant device.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, once a system user has focused capturesubsystem 614 on a target object and requested camera device 610 tocapture image data corresponding to the target object, then controlmodule 618 may preferably instruct capture subsystem 614 via camerasystem bus 616 to capture image data representing the target object. Thecaptured image data may then be transferred over camera system bus 616to control module 618, which may responsively perform various processesand functions with the image data. Camera system bus 616 may alsobi-directionally pass various status and control signals between capturesubsystem 614 and control module 618.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, control module 618 preferably includes, but isnot limited to, a viewfinder 608, a central processing unit (CPU) 644, amemory 646, one or more input/output interface(s) (I/O) 648, and battery652. Viewfinder 608, CPU 644, memory 646, I/O 648, and battery 652preferably are each coupled to, and communicate, via common camerasystem bus 616 that also communicates with capture subsystem 614. Inalternate embodiments, control module 618 may readily include variousother components in addition to, or instead of, those componentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, CPU 644 may preferably be implemented toinclude any appropriate microprocessor device. Memory 646 may preferablybe implemented as one or more appropriate storage devices, including,but not limited to, read-only memory, random-access memory, and varioustypes of non-volatile memory. In accordance with the present invention,because camera 610 may advantageously download the captured image datato image hub 110 for subsequent routing and other data managementfunctions, memory 646 may therefore be economically implemented using alimited memory size to store only a minimal amount of captured imagedate and other information. In many embodiments, camera device 610 ispreferably not implemented to include any removable memory devices, andmemory 646 is preferably implemented as a temporary buffer memory oflimited size that may only be accessed and downloaded by image hub 110.

I/O 648 preferably may be dedicated to providing one or more effectiveinterfaces for facilitating bi-directional communications between cameradevice 610 and image hub 110. I/O 648 may be implemented using anyappropriate input and/or output mechanism. Battery 652 preferably mayinclude any type of rechargeable battery unit (or units) for providingoperating power to camera device 610. In accordance with certainembodiments of the present invention, battery 652 may preferably beimplemented as a non-removable device that may only be recharged by thecorresponding recharger module 124 of image hub 110.

In practice, camera device 610 is exclusively dedicated to image hub 110because all image data that is captured by camera device 610 may only beaccessed and utilized by a system user through image hub 110.Furthermore, battery 652 of camera device 610 may only be recharged byutilizing recharger module 124 of image hub 110. The operation andutilization of camera 610 is further discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of method steps for utilizing acamera device 610 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The FIG. 7 embodiment is presented for purposes ofillustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the present invention mayreadily utilize various other steps and sequences than those discussedin conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, in step 712, a system user may preferablyconnect a camera device 610 (or other peripheral device) to image hub110 using any effective and appropriate means. As discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 6, camera device 610 may be implemented in anyeffective manner. However, in accordance with the present invention, inmany embodiments, a basic and cost-effective camera device 610 may beeconomically utilized since camera device 610 is preferably able toperiodically download captured content information to a dedicated imagehub 110 for transfer to a networked data destination from which thesystem user may subsequently access and utilize the captured contentinformation.

In step 716, image hub 110 may then establish communications with thedocked camera device 110 via input/output interface(s) 348 or othermeans, and then responsively download the captured image data into imagehub 110 using a download manager 312 from application software 212.Also, in step 716, certain embodiments of image hub 110 may preferablyutilize a recharger module 124 and a recharge manager 218 to rechargeone or more batteries 652 that supply operating power for camera device610.

In step 720, the system user may preferably disconnect camera device 610from image hub 110, and begin to capture additional image. Then, in step726, a temporary buffer memory 646 in camera device 610 preferably fillswith image data, and the battery 652 of camera device 610 simultaneouslybecomes depleted. Finally, in step 728, the system user may reconnectthe camera device 610 to image hub 110 to again download image data andrecharge battery 652. The FIG. 7 process may then preferably terminate.

The FIG. 7 method steps are discussed in the context of a single cameradevice 610 that provides a single download of captured information toimage hub 110. However, the utilization of image hub 110 to flexiblymanage and transfer different types of information from a plurality ofdifferent types of peripheral devices is readily contemplated by thepresent invention,

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of method steps for utilizing anelectronic image hub device 110 is shown, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 8 example is presented forpurposes of illustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the presentinvention may readily utilize various other steps and sequences thanthose discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 8 embodiment.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment, initially, in step 816, a download manager 312in application software 212 may preferably monitor image hub 110 todetect an information download of content information 216 from anyappropriate download source, such as a docked camera device 610.Download manager 312 may preferably detect an information download usingany appropriate technique(s). For example, connecting a camera device610 to image hub 110 may generate a download request signal to downloadmanager 312 of image hub 110.

If download manager 312 detects an information download of contentinformation 216, then, in step 820, download manager 312 may preferablytransfer or download the particular content information 216 (includingcaptured image data) from the camera device 610. In certain embodiments,download manager 216 may analyze one or more descriptor(s) 412 from thedownloaded content information 216 to identify relevant informationregarding the content information 216, as discussed above in conjunctionwith FIG. 4.

In step 824, image hub 110 may preferably determine one or moreappropriate image management function(s) to perform with regard to thedownloaded content information 216 and docked camera device 610. Forexample, recharge manager 218 may detect that battery 652 of cameradevice 610 is currently in a depleted condition, and responsivelyutilize recharger module 124 to recharge battery 652. In otherembodiments, recharger module 124 may automatically recharge battery 652whenever camera device 610 is connected to image hub 110.

In addition, image hub 110 may perform various data manipulation and/oranalysis functions on downloaded content information 216. For example,image hub 110 may preferably route or upload content information 216 toan appropriate or designated data destination by utilizing an uploadmanager 316. In accordance with the present invention, upload manager316 may route content information 216 using any effective technique(s).In one embodiment, image hub 110 preferably recognizes and routescontent information from a given camera device 610 based upon a cameraidentification parameter that may be programmed into the camera anddetected by image hub 110.

Alternately, a given camera device 610 may tag or mark image data withan image identifier tag that is recognized and utilized by either imagehub 110 or the data destination to subsequently provide that image datato the correct system user. In addition, image hub 110 may route contentinformation to one or more data destinations based upon a hub identifiervalue, or by destination information entered into image hub 110 by thesystem user or system operator.

In steps 828 and 832, application software 212 preferably checks whethervalid conditions currently exist for successful completion of theselected image management function(s) of step 824. If valid conditionsdo not currently exist for successful completion of the selected imagemanagement function, then, in step 836, application software 212 maypreferably generate an error message to inform the system user thatvalid conditions do not currently exist for performing the selectedimage management function(s). In certain embodiments, the error messagemay include specific information that identifies the nature of the errorand potential remedies to correct the error. The error message functionmay time-out after a pre-determined time period if invalid conditionspersist.

In foregoing step 832, if valid conditions exist for successfulcompletion of the selected image management function(s), then, in step840, application software 212 may preferably execute the selected imagemanagement function(s). Finally, in step 844, a system user may thenadvantageously, access, manipulate, and utilize the content information216 from the data destination, in accordance with the present invention.

The invention has been explained above with reference to certainembodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations and techniques other thanthose described in the embodiments above. Additionally, the presentinvention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other thanthose described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon thediscussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the presentinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

1. A system for managing content information, comprising: a peripheraldevice configured to capture said content information; and an image hubconfigured to transfer said content information from said peripheraldevice to a data destination from which a system user selectivelyaccesses said content information, said image hub providing a soletransfer means for downloading said content information from saidperipheral device.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said peripheraldevice includes one of a digital camera, an imaging device, a computerdevice, an audio device, and a portable electronic device.
 3. The systemof claim 1 wherein said content information includes image data, audiodata, text data, and graphics data.
 4. The system of claim 1 whereinsaid data destination includes a user-accessible service coupled to oneof a distributed computer network, an Internet network, and a wirelesscommunications network.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said peripheraldevice is implemented as a low-cost digital camera with minimal localmemory and limited processing capabilities, said peripheral device beingincapable of downloading said content information without said imagehub, said image hub providing a sole power source for recharging a powersupply in said peripheral device, said peripheral device having alimited transfer capability for transferring said content informationonly to said image hub.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said image hubincludes a central processing unit, a memory device, a display, arecharger module, a user interface, and one or more input/outputinterfaces.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said memory device includesapplication software, an operating system, content information, arecharge manager, a network browser, and a display manager.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein said application software includes a downloadmanager, an upload manager, an editing module, a data manager,miscellaneous routines, and an image selection manager.
 9. The system ofclaim 6 wherein said one or more input/output interfaces include anetwork interface, a host computer interface, one or more cameraconnector interfaces, one or more recharge connector interfaces, aphotographic printer interface, a wireless communications interface, aremovable storage media interface, and one or more status indicatorinterfaces.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said content informationincludes image data that corresponds to an image that was captured bysaid peripheral device, and a corresponding descriptor that identifiessaid image data as being captured by said peripheral device.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said peripheral device includes a data capturesubsystem, a viewfinder, and a control module, said control moduleincluding at least one of a central processing unit, one or morerechargeable and non-removable batteries, a temporary buffer memory oflimited size, and an input/output data transfer connector.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said system user connects said peripheraldevice to said image hub, and wherein a download manager in said imagehub responsively detects a content-information download event.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein said download manager accesses and transferssaid content information from said peripheral device to said image hubin response to detecting said content-information download event. 14.The system of claim 12 wherein a recharge manager and a recharger modulefrom said image hub recharge one or more batteries in said peripheraldevice in response to said system user connecting said peripheral deviceto said image hub.
 15. The system of claim 13 wherein an applicationsoftware program in said image hub determines one or more appropriateimage management functions for handling said content information. 16.The system of claim 15 wherein said one or more appropriate imagemanagement functions include a data routing function performed by anupload manager in said image hub for transferring said contentinformation from said image hub to said data destination, said uploadmanager performing said data routing function alternately using both awireless communications data transfer and a hard-wired network datatransfer.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said data routing functionincludes recognizing and routing said content information based upon acamera identification parameter that is programmed into said peripheraldevice and detected by said upload manager, marking said contentinformation with an image identifier tag that is recognized and utilizedby either said image hub or said data destination to subsequentlyprovide said content information to said system user, routing saidcontent information to said data destination based upon a hub identifiervalue corresponding to said image hub, and routing said contentinformation to said data destination based upon destination informationentered into said image hub by said system user or by a system operator.18. The system of claim 15 wherein said one or more appropriate imagemanagement functions include a data editing function in which an editingmodule in said image hub modifies said content information, and an imageselection function in which an image selection manager in said image hubpermits said system user to select and order one or more images fromsaid content information by using said image hub.
 19. The system ofclaim 15 wherein said image hub determines whether valid conditionscurrently exist for performing said one or more appropriate imagemanagement functions, said image hub presenting an error message to saidsystem user if valid conditions do not currently exist, said image hubexecuting said one or more image management functions if validconditions currently do exist.
 20. The system of claim 16 wherein saidsystem user accesses said content information from said datadestination, and responsively performs a data utilization procedure withsaid content information, said data utilization procedure including adata viewing procedure, a data editing procedure, a data orderingprocedure, a data manipulation procedure, a data printing procedure, adata forwarding procedure, and a data downloading procedure.